I've never replaced any of the foam mechanical media in any of my FX5s as they have have held up well after several years of rinsing them. Recently, I acquired 3 used FX5s that didn't come with any foam. I hit up the Fluval FX5 modification webpage and bought the higher PPI sponge from the recommended link https://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/1474/Filter-Foam-Reticulated. Anyone have any experience using this? The FX5 page recommends cutting it taller than the stock sponge to allow for less bypass. Anyone done this yet that could give feedback? As it comes in a 2' by 6' sheet I'm also hoping someone can recommend the best way to cut it. On a side note I'll have some extra in case anyone in the Northern Illinois area wants to hit me up. Thanks in advance.
20 PPI Foam for FX5
- Thread starter joe00
- Start date
I use 30 ppi. works very well. Mine came in a large sheet and I simply used a section of the original foam to use as a template and cut it with scissors.
I did make it taller/wider so it was a snug fit and thus reduce bypass (which everyone moans about with he design of the FX5). Just make sure the baskets still can attach to each other otherwise you'll have problems getting them in the cannister.
The higher ppi does make a difference and I've noticed no effect on flowrate also. Cleaning has been no problem either
Rob
I did make it taller/wider so it was a snug fit and thus reduce bypass (which everyone moans about with he design of the FX5). Just make sure the baskets still can attach to each other otherwise you'll have problems getting them in the cannister.
The higher ppi does make a difference and I've noticed no effect on flowrate also. Cleaning has been no problem either
Rob
Thanks for the input! Hopefully cutting foam turns out better than cutting a loaf of bread using an electric knife! Did you replace all of your foam with higher PPI or use the lower PPI stock foam on the bottom basket to trap larger particulates before they go up to your 30 PPI foam, robroy? It'd be cool to get a sheet of 30 PPI and go bottom to top: stock to 20 to 30! Maybe I'm just over thinking this??? Just seems like not using polishing pads because of cavitation issues, this might help a lot with smaller particulates/water clarity issues that I've heard heard FX5 users complain about.
i relaced all the foam with 30 ppi. Never used the polishing pads-never had problems with clarity
I replaced all the sponge with 30 ppi-I just used an existing piece as a template and then cut the necessary sections (believe 9 in total?). I did try round sections but found this clogged quick and limits your media capacity in the baskets too. Hope this helps
Got the sheet of 20 PPI foam delivered and all cut and ready to go. The good news is that I got 30 pieces cut a little larger than the stock FX5 foam shipped for $60.00. That bad news is that the 20 PPI foam that the Fluval Mod webpage recommends is actually a lower PPI than the stock foam that the FX5 comes with. It'll still work but a bit of a bummer...
Stock FX5 foam on the left and 20 PPI on the right
Stock FX5 foam on the left and 20 PPI on the right
Joe00,
Looks like the "Stock FX5 Foam" on the left is much denser around 30ppi compared to the foam on the right that is only 20ppi. The 20ppi foam will allow higher flowrates & the 30ppi is a bit of an overkill I recon
Even EHEIM in they Classic series use only 20ppi foam & works a treat without polishing pads
Looks like the "Stock FX5 Foam" on the left is much denser around 30ppi compared to the foam on the right that is only 20ppi. The 20ppi foam will allow higher flowrates & the 30ppi is a bit of an overkill I recon
Even EHEIM in they Classic series use only 20ppi foam & works a treat without polishing pads